Digicel has won a block of 700MHz spectrum in Panama after approval from the National Public Services Authority. The operator is due to pay $22.5 million for 2×10MHz blocks of 700MHz spectrum in the 738MHz-748MHz/793MHz-803MHz bands, and the frequencies must be put in use within the next 12 months. The decision was approved by Cabinet […]

In Costa Rica, a decree is being prepared to eliminate the ban that has been in effect since 1988 and to re-authorize planting of the robusta variety in some areas of the country. The results obtained in tests carried out in 2016 and the conclusion that there is no longer a real technical justification for […]

Of the 2 million hectares of land estimated to be available for agricultural crops, only 40,000 are dedicated to fruit production. Because of its climate and quality of soil, Panama has great potential for growing tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, pineapple, avocado, coconut and citrus. However, the country’s agricultural capacity is not being fully exploited. A […]

The ecological catamaran Race for Water traveled the Panama Canal, after touring 8,757 miles powered by solar energy, hydrogen and sailing. As part of the Odyssey 2017-2021 expedition, the ship will make its fifth scale in this capital since it left the French port of Lorient, on April 9, 2017, and visit the Caribbean island […]

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Panama’s sovereign ratings as follows: –Long-term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at ‘BBB’, Outlook Stable; –Senior unsecured Foreign- and Local-Currency bonds at ‘BBB’; –Country Ceiling at ‘A’; –Short-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency IDR at ‘F2’. KEY RATING DRIVERS Panama’s ratings are supported by continued strong and stable macroeconomic performance, which […]

A judge on the Panama Supreme Court who drafted a ruling against marriage rights for same-sex couples has withdrawn it. Justice Luis Ramón Fábrega last October in his draft ruling wrote the provisions of Panama’s family code that prevent gays and lesbians from marrying in the country are not unconstitutional. Fábrega also suggested members of […]

Panama-based Copa Airlines and Lufthansa Group have agreed to expand the scope of their existing codeshare to allow Copa to commercialize and market the Panama-Frankfurt-Panama route, which is operated by Lufthansa. Copa will now be able to codeshare the route with a Copa Airlines flight number. “With this alliance … passengers will have better options […]

Having had first hand experience there with a past surgery, I can say that while Paitilla Medical Center may not be as sexy looking as Hospital Punta Pacifica, it has some of the best Panamanian doctors many of  whom are US Board Certified surgeons and are counted among the best in Latin America.  The care that […]

Representatives of Panama’s government and China Railway Design Corporation held their first technical meeting over a proposed rail line in the Central American country, Panama’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Monday. The project is among 22 cooperation agreements signed between Panama and China since the two established diplomatic ties in June 2017, the ministry said in […]